TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Players like Alabama running back Jase McClellan are a rarity in college football in this day and age.
McClellan, now a senior, came into Tuscaloosa as a four-star prospect — the No. 7 running back in the Class of 2020. Many recruits with that much potential expect to play — and potentially start — their freshman year. At many places, McClellan would have.
At Alabama, there was a guy named Najee Harris.
In 2021-22, there was a guy named Brian Robinson Jr.
In 2022-23, there was a guy named Jahmyr Gibbs.
At this point, many would already be on a different campus playing for a different team. However, McClellan declined that route — and like so many Crimson Tide players before him, will finally get his opportunity.
Now — McClellan won't handle all of the snaps. Alabama has a tremendously talented running back room in 2023-24. Fellow senior Roydell Williams will get his opportunities. Justice Haynes is shaping up to be the best true freshman running back the Crimson Tide has had in years. Even Jam Miller, another Texas native, will surely see the field some.
But McClellan is absolutely the leader — and he'll get his opportunity to rise NFL draft boards like the three that came before him.
"It's what I've worked for, what I've prepared for and it's what I'm ready for," McClellan said. "Being the guy you can lean on — I'm ready for it."
McClellan, like many others, is optimistic about what he's seen from the offensive line throughout spring and fall practice.
"I love it," McClellan said. "Those guys up front have been physical. I'm loving what they do — creating holes for us. That's the mindset we're working on, that's what I like."
McClellan knows the talent that's behind him — and he looks at it in a positive light.
"That's something we're talking about — being prepared," McClellan said. "Getting all those guys ready because [if] somebody goes down, then it's the next guy up. There's no drop-off having all those guys ready, even when you come in as a freshman."
McClellan confirmed what Saban has already said several times — as long as it's healthy, there may not be a better, deeper running back room in the entire country like the one residing in Tuscaloosa.
See Also:
Win With People: Tommy Rees' Mantra for Offensive Success at Alabama
Alabama Football in Favorable Spot in Preseason Coaches Poll
Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson Progressing Well Through Fall Camp
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